Bluff beach upgrades take another leap forward

SEVERAL meetings, multiple presentations and various changes in municipal staff have seen the Bluff beach upgrades projects fast-tracked into another phase closer to implementation.

Meetings were held last year between eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) and the Traffic Engineering and Public Transport sections to request changes to the current layout and width of Foreshore Drive.

“These changes were in line with the proposed concept plan developed by the consultants appointed to the project. Both ETA Traffic and ETA Public Transport approved these changes early this year. Once a detailed Traffic Road Layout (TRL) and urban design have been completed details, civil designs will be undertaken,” said ward 66 councillor, JP Prinsloo.

He added that the Economic Development and Planning department requested that an environmental screening be conducted by the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department (EPCPD) to confirm that all elements within the project are in line with current environmental legislation.

“EPCPD has agreed to the construction of the proposed boardwalk on condition that all dune vegetation, beach facing and dune facing, be protected and conserved throughout the entire upgrade.”

“Furthermore, EPCPD has stressed that the rehabilitation and re-establishment of dunes should be a priority to ensure the refurbished infrastructure has a natural protective barrier from the sea.”

“The Bluff is one of the best places in the country for whale watching – a prime area to host events, and a major potential contributor to the economy of the area. Extensive upgrades are therefore being proposed for all the buildings and pools located on Anstey’s Beach, Brighton Beach and Treasure Beach.”

“A number of buildings along each of these beaches will be repurposed or demolished to comply with specific climate change and building regulations. Some buildings will be compacted to fulfill multiple purposes such as housing sporting clubs as well as small shops and trading areas,” Prinsloo said.

These upgrades include a restaurant precinct at Ansteys which will activate the area and afford visitors and tourists access to the beach that is one of the defining features of the Bluff. Prinsloo said that the positioning of restaurants will allow for views towards the north which are currently cut off by existing change rooms.

“The aim is to create destination areas, promote activity and serve as a way to market the area. Along Brighton Beach, we are aiming to create a true sporting destination activity precinct that supports over 28 coastal sporting activities throughout the year. The formalisation of these activities will sustainably activate and support the area economically and make it possible to initiate important empowerment programmes,” he said.

The proposed interventions present opportunities for the upliftment and economic growth of the area, and for fostering a vibrant, diverse and secure beach environment. Upgrades to the Bluff beaches are expected to contribute to the upliftment of the surrounding areas and the general improvement to the quality of life for residents.

“The beaches contribute significantly to the character and impression of the Bluff and the quality and richness of the beach experience. They are therefore a major key to ensuring the status of the area is improved upon and that the great potential of the area is realised,” he said.

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